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Home » All Recipes » Appetizers

Modified: Apr 30, 2025 · Published: Apr 19, 2023 by Tati Chermayeff · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

Spicy Cucumber Salad

5 from 5 votes
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spicy cucumber salad

This Asian spicy cucumber salad is light, fresh, and full of flavor. It’s made with crunchy cucumbers, green onions, and marinated in a tangy garlic-soy dressing. The perfect 5-minute side dish, appetizer, or snack that packs a punch!

Asian spicy cucumber salad with homemade garlic and soy dressing and sesame seeds

I made this spicy cucumber salad on a hot day when I needed something cool, crunchy, and bold. I had just made my teriyaki chicken burgers and wanted a quick side to go with them. This salad hit the spot and instantly became a go-to.

What makes it so good is the combo of flavor and texture. The accordion-cut cucumbers soak up all the spicy, garlicky soy sauce dressing, making each bite super bold and refreshing. It’s quick, easy, and way more exciting than plain cucumber slices.

Now it’s a regular in our house. I make it for dinners, snacks, even meal prep—and everyone always wants more. It’s crunchy, flavorful, and somehow always the first thing to disappear from the table. A fun way to enjoy cucumbers!

Why you'll love this recipe:

  1. Cool and crunchy: The spiral accordion cucumbers are extra crisp and soak up tons of flavor.
  2. Packed with flavor: The soy-garlic chili dressing is light, bold, and perfectly balanced with a little heat.
  3. Healthy and refreshing: There’s no oil in this cucumber salad recipe... just fresh ingredients that are clean and vibrant.
  4. Quick to make: Ready in just 5 minutes, it’s the easiest side dish or snack for any meal.

The ingredients

all ingredients in salad including cucumbers, green onions, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame seeds, sesame oil, red chili flakes, and honey

Cucumbers. I love using mini cucumbers (also called Persian cucumbers), but you can also use English cucumbers and just slice them super thin on a mandoline.

Green onion. Adds a sharp, zesty bite—use both the white and green parts for extra flavor.

Sesame seeds. Optional, but I love adding them to this spicy cucumber salad.

Soy sauce. Brings salty, umami flavor to the dressing. You can also use coconut aminos or tamari if you need to make this salad gluten-free.

Rice vinegar. Adds tanginess and the perfect amount of acidity.

Sesame oil. If you're allergic, you can leave it out or substitute with chili oil.

Honey. Optional, but a little drizzle adds natural sweetness to balance the heat.

Garlic. Fresh garlic cloves give the dressing the best bold, savory flavor.

Crushed red pepper flakes. Brings a spicy kick that makes every bite pop. You can also use chili oil.

How to make spicy cucumber salad

how to cut an accordion cucumber

Step 1: Start by washing and drying the cucumbers, then cut off the ends. To create the spiral, place a cucumber between two chopsticks and slice at a 45° angle without cutting all the way through.

Cutting a mini cucumber into an accordion cucumber

Step 2: Flip the cucumber and cut at a 90° angle, then slice the cucumber in half. Add the spiraled cucumber pieces to a large bowl.

spicy soy dressing in a little bowl

Step 3: For the dressing, whisk together all the ingredients in a small bowl. Taste and adjust if needed.

pouring spicy soy dressing on top of accordion cucumbers

Step 4: Pour the dressing over the cucumbers, mix gently, and top with green onion and sesame seeds. Enjoy!

How to cut perfect accordion cucumbers

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to cutting those fun accordion cucumbers for your spicy cucumber salad:

  1. Prep the cucumbers: Wash, dry, and cut off the ends of the cucumbers.
  2. Position the cucumber: Place one mini or Persian cucumber between two chopsticks (this will keep you from cutting all the way through).
  3. Make diagonal slices: Cut the cucumber at a 45° angle, making very thin diagonal slices across the top. The chopsticks will prevent you from cutting all the way through.
  4. Flip and slice again: Flip the cucumber and make 90° angle cuts to create the spiral. Don’t cut straight across or at a 45° angle again—the spiral won’t work!
how to cut a mini cucumber at a 45-degree angle between two chopsticks
how to cut a mini cucumber at a 90-degree angle between two chopsticks to make an accordion cucumber

Top Tips

  1. Mini cucumbers are best for this salad. If you're using English cucumbers, thinly slice them on a mandolin instead of making accordion cuts—they’re too wide for that.
  2. Let it marinate. If you can, let the salad sit in the dressing for a little while. This helps the flavors blend together and makes it even tastier!
  3. Adjust the heat. Want more spice? Add extra crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing for a bigger kick.

Equipment

  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp Kitchen Knife
  • Chopsticks
  • One Large Mixing Bowl
  • One Small Mixing Bowl
  • Measuring Cups

Substations & Variations

  • Make it gluten-free: Swap soy sauce for tamari to make this spicy cucumber salad gluten-free.
  • Add avocado: Toss in some diced avocado for a creamy twist. It’ll add richness and make the salad even more satisfying.
  • Add a protein: Turn this into a light meal by adding cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or tofu.
  • Add extra crunch: For a fun crunch, toss in some chopped peanuts, cashews, or even crispy wonton strips.
  • Serve on lettuce: Feel free to serve the salad on a bed of chopped romaine, spinach, Boston lettuce, or iceberg to add some volume and freshness.
  • Rice vinegar substitute: If you don’t have rice vinegar, white wine vinegar works as a great alternative.
sesame cucumber salad with a spicy Asian dressing

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to cut the cucumbers in spirals?

Nope! You can slice them into thin bite-sized pieces if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the spiral cut helps the cucumbers absorb more of the dressing.

Can I use an English cucumber?

Absolutely! English cucumbers are great for this salad. They're mild and crunchy, but they're too wide for the spiral cut. Simply slice them thinly instead. ​I like to use a mandolin.

Do I need to peel the cucumbers?

It's up to you. The skin adds extra crunch and nutrients, but if you prefer a smoother texture, feel free to peel them.

Is this salad vegan?

Yes, it's vegan! Just swap the honey for maple syrup in the dressing to keep it plant-based.​

What should I serve with this salad?

This salad pairs well with grilled meats like chicken or beef, rice dishes, or even as a refreshing snack on its own. It's versatile and complements many meals.​ I like these air fryer boneless chicken thighs, Asian chicken meatballs, salmon bowls, and teriyaki salmon bites.

How do I keep the salad from getting watery?

To prevent excess moisture, lightly salt the cucumbers before mixing them with the dressing. Let them sit for about 10 minutes, then drain any released water. This step helps maintain the salad's crispness.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Definitely! In fact, letting the spicy cucumber salad marinate in the dressing for about 30 minutes enhances the flavors. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days for the best taste

How to Store & Meal Prep

To keep your spicy cucumber salad fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For meal prep, you can make it ahead and let it marinate in the dressing for added flavor. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving!

spicy Asian cucumber salad with sesame seeds

More Asian-inspired recipes!

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Did you make this recipe?

If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don't forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!

spicy cucumber salad

Spicy Cucumber Salad

This Asian spicy cucumber salad is light, fresh, and full of flavor. It’s made with crunchy cucumbers, green onions, and marinated in a tangy garlic-soy dressing. The perfect 5-minute side dish, appetizer, or snack that packs a punch!
5 from 5 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Serving 4 servings

Ingredients
 

The Salad:

  • 8 mini or Persian cucumbers
  • 1 green onion, ends trimmed and finely sliced
  • Sesame seeds

The Dressing:

  • 1 ½ tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce, tamari or coconut aminios (if gluten free)
  • 1 ½ tablespoon rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon crushed or full red chili flakes

Instructions

  • Prepare the Accordion Cucumbers. Wash, dry, and cut the ends off the cucumbers. Now, doing this one at a time, place a cucumber between two chopsticks. Cut the cucumber at a 45° angle, making thin diagonal slices on the top (the chopstick will prevent you from cutting all the way through). Flip the cucumber over and make 90° angle cuts. Don’t cut the cucumbers straight across or at a 45° angle again - the spiral won’t work! Cut the spiraled cucumbers in half, then add them to a large mixing bowl. You can also thinly slice the cucmbers on a mandolin.
    step by step on how to cut an accordion cucumber
  • Make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your preference.
  • Assemble the salad. Pour dressing over cucumbers and mix gently so the cucumbers don’t break. Garnish with green onion and sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Notes

English Cucumber: If you want to make accordion cucumbers, you much use mini or Persian cucumbers; however, you can certainly use an English cucumber in this recipe too. Simply wash, dry, and cut the English cucumber into bite-sized pieces or slices.
Add Nuts: You can add ½ cup of chopped almonds, cashews, or peanuts for extra crunch.
Add lettuce if you want. Feel free to serve this spicy cucumber salad recipe on a bed of chopped remain, spinach, Boston lettuce, or iceberg. It will add volume.
Serving: Spicy cucumber salad goes well with so many dishes. You can serve it with this simple grilled chicken, these air fryer boneless chicken thighs, these asian chicken meatballs, or this air fryer teriyaki chicken. If you’re craving seafood, try these furikake salmon bowls, air fryer tilapia, or these air fryer teriyaki salmon bites.
Storing: For best results, keep any leftover spicy cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 48kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Sodium: 228mg | Potassium: 221mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 296IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg
Course Appetizer, Side, Snack
Cuisine Asian
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Please leave a comment and star rating on this post and tag @HealthfulBlondie on Instagram & hashtag it #healthfulblondie!

Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!

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5 from 5 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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    5 from 5 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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  1. Michele says

    March 03, 2024 at 2:49 pm

    5 stars
    So good! Love the spiciness with the touch of sweet. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply

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I'm a foodie, recipe developer, and blogger based in Austin, Texas. I started this blog to show that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. Here you’ll find tons of easy, delicious recipes made with everyday ingredients — all lighter takes on your favorite foods. Have a question or want to connect? I’d love to hear from you!

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